Tumwater City Council Honors Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The Tumwater City Council convened on January 6, 2026, for its first regular meeting of the year, marking the official start of the administration under newly elected Mayor Leatta Dahlhoff. The meeting drew a sizable crowd, with many residents attending at Tumwater City Hall and others gathered outside.

Dahlhoff, who previously served on the council since 2018, won the mayoral election against Lance Brender in November 2025, following the retirement of former Mayor Debbie Sullivan. The council also saw the reelection of Councilors Eileen Swarthout and Peter Agabi, who ran unopposed, while newcomer Meghan Sullivan secured her position by winning against candidate Rachelle Martin.

Proclamation for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The meeting began with a ceremonial swearing-in of Dahlhoff, Swarthout, Agabi, and Sullivan, officiated by Washington Supreme Court Justice Sheryl Gordon McCloud. Following the oaths, the council unanimously passed a proclamation designating January 19 as Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Tumwater.

Dr. Thelma Jackson and David Reaves, Reverend of New Life Baptist Church, were invited to speak at the event. Each council member read a section of the proclamation, emphasizing a commitment to Dr. King’s vision of justice and equality. Dahlhoff concluded with a call to action: “We all urge people to join us to take this opportunity to reflect on Dr. King’s vision, and rededicate ourselves to continuing to advance the principles of justice and equality for all.”

Dr. Jackson highlighted Dr. King’s legacy, stating, “He was much more than a dreamer — he was a doer.” She urged the community to engage actively in honoring Dr. King’s contributions, declaring that the day should serve as a time to reflect and act, rather than simply a day off.

Reverend Reaves expressed gratitude for the proclamation, reminding attendees of the ongoing challenges faced by the nation. He invited the community to the church’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, scheduled for January 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. at 7838 Pacific Ave. SE in Lacey.

City Business and New Appointments

The council’s agenda also included discussions on municipal business, such as the selection of a new mayor pro tem. Agabi nominated Swarthout, while Councilor Joan Cathey nominated Councilor Kelly Von Holtz. After a vote, Von Holtz was appointed to the position.

In a significant move, the council unanimously approved the appointment of Paul Simmons as the new city administrator, succeeding former administrator Lisa Parks. This change follows the firings of Parks and former Police Chief Jay Mason, with Deputy Chief Carlos Quiles Jr. currently serving as interim chief. Both positions are at-will employees, subject to the mayor’s discretion.

Concerns were raised by Agabi regarding the severance payments to both Parks and Mason, leading to a heated exchange with Dahlhoff. The discussion prompted her to temporarily recess the meeting.

During the public comment period, several residents voiced their opposition to Mason’s firing. Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders also acknowledged Mason’s long service in the Tumwater Police Department and expressed anticipation for working with Dahlhoff and the new police chief when appointed.

The council announced plans to fill the vacancy in position 1, with seven applicants for the role. A special meeting is scheduled for January 10 at 9 a.m. at Tumwater City Hall, located at 555 Israel Road, to interview candidates and select an appointee. Further reporting on the developments surrounding the police chief and city administrator positions is expected in upcoming editions of local news outlets.